Football Association denies contact with Mahmoud Bentayki to represent Egypt

The Egyptian Football Association has clarified the situation regarding contact with Moroccan player Mahmoud Bentaïk, the left-back of Zamalek, about obtaining Egyptian citizenship to represent Egypt in the upcoming period.

A source from the federation confirmed, according to reports from Egyptian media, that there has been no communication with Benteke regarding obtaining Egyptian citizenship or representing the Egypt national team, also denying that federation officials suggested to the player to change the national team he represents.

A source clarified: "We have not contacted Moroccan player Mahmoud Benatki of Zamalek regarding obtaining Egyptian citizenship to represent the national team," adding: "It is not true that we suggested he represent Egypt instead of Morocco."

Youssef Mosaad, Benteke's agent, has previously discussed the player's potential consideration of representing Egypt, noting that some Egyptian officials have suggested he obtain Egyptian citizenship and join the 'Pharaohs'.

An assistant stated in remarks to the Moroccan newspaper "Al-Omq" that he did not understand the exclusion of Bentayki from the latest Morocco national team squad, pointing out that the player has won the Egyptian Premier League Player of the Month award twice, in addition to his strong start with Zamalek.

The player's agent added that Benteke had previously prioritized representing the Moroccan national team, but he indicated that the player is currently considering the idea of representing Egypt, given that he has not been called up to the 'Atlas Lions' squad.

Benteke has previously represented the Morocco national team at the 2025 Arab Cup. He recently received the Man of the Match award in the match between Zamalek and Ghazl El Mahalla, after he was responsible for the penalty from which Ahmed Sherif scored the only winning goal.

Bentayki is currently a key player for Zamalek, while available data indicates that his registered nationality is Moroccan. He has previously represented the Morocco national team for locals.